![](https://xoops.org/uploads/smil42e7a44fda194.gif)
I ported that design for the owner from a PSD-based template.
![](https://xoops.org/uploads/smil3dbd4d6422f04.gif)
Trust me, it's way to heavy for this site. It's a nice site mind you, but the load would be too much and this site would slow to a crawl.
IMHO, given that that XOOPS is a modern CMS, I believe the look needs to instantly convey this image at first glance. Xaraya and Joomla have both done this quite effectively, and I believe with the talent we have here, we could easily raise the bar.
![](https://xoops.org/uploads/smil42e7a65fee35d.gif)
I agree that we should look more to CSS, but a full CSS theme w/o tables wouldn't fly either. There's too many tables in the module templates and that will get real ugly to fix. It's just not realistic at this time.
Suggestions:
* IMHO a lot of effort should be put into standards compliance
* Minimize use of tables as much as possible
* Do a little research on the psychology of colors and use colors that convey strength, reliability, and calmness
* Cut down on all the white. It kills the eyes after a while. Break it up a little.
* Keep the graphics to a minimum, use CSS for decoration instead. See work by StudioC for good examples.
![](https://xoops.org/uploads/smil42e7a65fee35d.gif)
* Employ an alternate stylesheet for printing (see
my site)
* Optimize the META tags! Many big search engines (See
Overture companies) still use them and it only takes a few minutes to optimize them.
* A 2-column layout would be much more friendly to 800x600px screens and it would make it a lot easier to find information. (Less information overload)
* Integrate the search bar into the theme (one less block).
* Add redundant navigation at the header and footer for the most recently used links (better SEO and more user-friendly)
That's all I've got for now, off the top of my pointed head.
Great to see the ball is rolling on this.
![](https://xoops.org/uploads/smil42e7a3d4c7b9f.gif)
Best Regards,
James
Insanity can be defined as "doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results."
Stupidity is not a crime. Therefore, you are free to go.